Catastrophic Floods Devastate Central and Southeastern Mexico

In early October 2025, central and southeastern Mexico faced catastrophic flooding and landslides due to heavy rainfall, primarily affecting the states of Veracruz, Hidalgo, Puebla, Querétaro, and San Luis Potosí. The deluge resulted in at least 70 fatalities and left 72 individuals missing. Approximately 100,000 homes were damaged, and over 300,000 people were impacted.

The heavy rains began around October 6, leading to widespread flooding and landslides over the subsequent days. In Veracruz, 40 municipalities were impacted, with 29 confirmed deaths and 18 individuals reported missing. Poza Rica received over 21 inches of rain between October 6–9, causing the Cazones River to overflow and submerge neighborhoods under more than 12 feet of water. In Hidalgo, 28 municipalities suffered damage, resulting in 21 fatalities and 43 missing persons. Approximately 100,000 homes were damaged in Hidalgo alone. Puebla saw 23 municipalities affected, with 13 deaths and 4 individuals missing. Querétaro experienced flooding in 8 municipalities, leading to 1 confirmed death, while San Luis Potosí had 12 municipalities impacted, though no fatalities were reported.

In response to the disaster, the Mexican government deployed around 8,700 military personnel for rescue and relief operations, including evacuations and aid delivery. The Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA) activated the DN-III-E Plan, deploying 7,347 personnel from the Army and National Guard, along with 3,300 members of the Navy, to assist in rescue and evacuation efforts. The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) reported that 262,000 people were left without electricity across the affected states. By October 13, 84% of the supply had been restored. Heavy rainfall affected 132 sections of federal highways in the impacted regions, prompting immediate repairs and logistical support to ensure road safety. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced a direct budget allocation of 19 billion pesos (approximately US$1.03 billion) for rapid and transparent disaster response assistance, with 3 billion pesos (US$160 million) already utilized.

The disaster tested President Sheinbaum's administration, with growing public criticism regarding the government's preparedness and response. Analysts and opposition figures pointed to a lack of preparedness and delayed deployment of aid. Efforts were focused on preventing disease outbreaks, such as dengue, in the aftermath of the flooding.

Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's first female president, has a background in science and politics. She has championed women's rights and implemented significant policies to address gender-based violence. SEDENA is responsible for overseeing Mexico's Army and Air Force, playing a crucial role in national defense and disaster response operations. CFE is the state-owned electric utility company, responsible for generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity across Mexico.

Mexico has a history of severe flooding, particularly during the rainy season. However, the October 2025 floods were among the most devastating in recent history, both in terms of fatalities and infrastructure damage.

The Mexican government's response to the October 2025 floods involved a significant deployment of resources and personnel. However, the effectiveness and timeliness of these efforts have been subjects of public scrutiny. The disaster highlighted the need for improved infrastructure resilience and disaster preparedness to mitigate the impact of future natural disasters.